I think it's a No. 1 "Open Sight" rifle.  They were the plain-vanilla grade, made in .32, .38 and .44 rim- or center-fire calibers.  West's book indicates that the pistol grip trigger guard (like on yours) was a feature on the higher grade Stevens Tip Ups right from the get-go, with the rear spur trigger guards on the lower grades from 1880-1888.  After 1888 they all had the pistol grip guard.  Yours should have the "Stevens A&T" markings on the barrel and be above Serial No. 15,000.

The only part that doesn't quite compute is the .32-20 caliber, which isn't called out in the catalog offerings.  However, Stevens would do about anything for the customer.  I have a Ladies' Model Tip-Up in .25-20, and can't find that caliber offered in the catalog copies I have.

Getting farther afield, it might be relined, or a higher grade Tip-Up missing the wood forend.

Rebel I think they are actually not a bad looking rifle. If people allow themselves to be seen in public with anything made by Hopkins and Allen you can be proud of that gun.

zt

Handsome is as handsome does. The best way to look at a Stevens Tip-Up is over the sights when it's held offhand.  All your body parts are in exactly the right places.  A tour-de-force in ergonomics.

Rebel,

Is your bore and chamber original?  No evidence of, say, a reline or anything?  Be interesting to see how it shoots, especially if it's original.

The bore and chamber seem to be original and in very good shape.
I still have a couple of boxes of vintage factory black powder loads, I might try a few rounds from an open box.
I don't think I'll shoot it often, but that could change.
It's drilled and tapped for scope blocks, I have a Navy Arms brass scope that might do.

I sort of like them. Have one in .22 with a liner that doesn't look pretty but shoots well for a plinker and a pretty nice one in .25 Stevens that has a mint bore. Don't shoot it much because of my limited stock of ammo.  Always looking for a nice one in centerfire.

rustyrelx wrote on Sep 20^th, 2015 at 12:48pm:


Sounds like a Premier Don.

Originally thought it was a 38 rf. But got to looking at it and the chamber was too deep and decided it was a centerfire. Got it home and 38-55 fit right in. Is a premier a #7? I have another #7, one in .22rf with a 52 sporter  liner in it. I like the tip ups in centerfire. or .22rf...
  Don